Samsung has launched its highly-anticipated Galaxy Note 9, the latest phone in its premium range, as well as a new Galaxy Home smart speaker to challenge the likes of Apple’s Home Pod and Amazon’s Echo.

The 6.4-inch screen Note 9 will start at £899 for the 128GB variant and £1,099 for the 512GB version.

The device looks similar to last year’s 6.1-inch Note 8 but features an improved Bluetooth stylus, as well as an upgraded camera that takes sharper photos than the S9 released earlier this year.

An 4,000mAh ‘all day battery’ has been included – the largest ever on a flagship Galaxy phone – alongside a 6.4-inch edge-to-edge display.

However, the highlight upgrade this year is the S Pen, which will let users remotely control the phone’s camera to take the perfect selfie.

The Korean firm’s president of mobile communications DJ Koh said: “The Note has always been our showcase for premium technology and industry-defining innovation, and Galaxy Note 9 is no exception. It’s designed for a level of performance, power and intelligence that today’s power users want and need.

“Note fans are Samsung’s most loyal; we know they want it all, to get the most out of work and play, and Galaxy Note 9 is the only phone that can keep up with their busy lives.”

A new Galaxy Watch that competes with a similar product from Apple was also unveiled. The water-resistant smartwatch has a circular screen and can connect to LTE cellular networks, the company said.

It features revamped health software that works with the heart-rate sensor. It also has new tracking tools for workouts and a sleep tool that logs both the hours and quality of shut-eye.

Samsung also revealed its HomePod rival, the Galaxy Home. The smart speaker will allow users to control their smart home using their voice. Importantly, it will eventually allow Samsung to link up all its devices, such as smart TVs, smart fridges and more, all using voice control from its artificial intelligence, Bixby.

Samsung said it will reveal more about the device in November.

Samsung’s handset unveiling comes at a time when smartphone demand is slowing down globally and a disappointing performance by the Galaxy S9.

“The product was too similar to the S8. It wasn’t distinctive enough for consumers to justify the upgrade,” Bryan Ma, vice president of devices research at IDC, said. “My worry is that the Note 9 may meet the same fate.”